'The Bible' Earns Three Emmy Nominations

History Channel

"The Bible"

"A lot of people said 'The Bible' wouldn't do well on TV and wasn't expected to get nominated," executive producer Mark Burnett tells THR.

The Bible has nabbed an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie, presenters Neil Patrick Harris and Aaron Paul said on Thursday. The ten-part miniseries, a ratings and home video success for the History Channel, was executive produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. The Biblical series earned three nominations in total, adding nods for Sound Editing and Sound Mixing.

"What incredible news to wake up to, couldn't be happier," said Burnett to The Hollywood Reporter by phone from Colorado. On Wednesday night, the producer screened the forthcoming film version of The Bible, titled Son of God, in Colorado Springs for an audience that included billionaire Philip Anschutz, owner of AEG.

"A lot of people said The Bible wouldn't do well on TV and wasn't expected to get nominated," Burnett said. "Roma said from the beginning, 'I feel this is going to get nominated, I really feel that our academy will recognize the work.' Four years of work that went into making this as big as it was and we're grateful."

Downey told THR that despite success worldwide,popularity doesn't always predict Emmy nomination accolades. "We're thrilled that it can make those emotional connections and be seen for the quality miniseries that it is," she said.

Downey added that if The Bible does take home an award on Emmy night, she'll know whom to thank. "It starts with 'G' and it ends with 'd," she said.

Burnett recently confirmed that he is prepping additional Bible-related programming and a theatrical version could be headed to movie theaters in the future.

Other nominees in the Miniseries or Movie category include USA Network's Political Animals, Sundance Channel's Top of the Lake, HBO's Phil Spector, HBO's Behind the Candelabra and FX Network's American Horror Story: Asylum.